“In a spectacular landscape, entirely sculpted by erosion, the Göreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period. Dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns the remains of a traditional human habitat dating back to the 4th century can also be seen there.”

My visit:

I wrote this in my blog in 1986:

“It is remarkable how water and wind, and humans, have managed to shape the landscape. Some places reminded me of the Grand Canyon in the USA, others of the Stone Forest in southern China, but most must be quite unique on a global perspective. There were churches everywhere. Some monasteries were located inside the cliffs. People had been digging large rooms, long dark tunnels and painted beautiful murals. In multitude. The sites date back to 600-800 AD.”